"The United States Intelligence Community also believes the risk of an accidental or unauthorized launch by a declared nuclear power is highly unlikely. George Tenet, the Director of Central Intelligence, testified in open session last year that the Intelligence Community assessment is that it is a `remote' risk because of considerable precautions or procedures taken by Russia and China.

ACCIDENTAL LAUNCHES FROM RUSSIA ARE NOT A THREAT

Council for a Livable World 9-13-99 (DOWNLOAD) Briefing Book on Ballistic Missile Defense

General Eugene Habiger, Commander-in-Chief of United States Strategic Command, reinforced this view when he testified to the Committee this year on the Russian command and control measures, which he has witnessed first-hand, to prevent an accidental or unauthorized launch of an ICBM against the United States. He has publicly stated that Russia has some mechanisms and procedures more stringent than our own for nuclear command and control. General Habiger, who has had a unique opportunity to visit Russian strategic nuclear weapon bases--including an ICBM base, a strategic submarine base, a bomber base, a nuclear command and control center, and a nuclear weapon storage site--has stated publicly that he does not worry about accidental or unauthorized launches from Russia."